Halloween History

History, Beginnings, and Traditions

Oct 28, 2009 Kristeen Mandak

Halloween is characterized by fun costumes, candy, jack-o-lanterns, and trick-or-treating. However, Halloween's origins were not so light-hearted.

According to History.com, Halloween is originally derived from an ancient Celtic festival from over 2,000 years ago, called Samhain. The festivals were performed in what is now today France, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. Since these festivals, Halloween has evolved from a religious event to a day of Autumn-themed fun.

Early Beginnings

October 31st was seen by the Celts as a day of human death, because it marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of cold winters to come. On this day, the Celts believed that ghosts rose from the dead to wreak havoc and destroy crops. The Samhain festival was used to communicate with spirits so that the Celtic priests could make a prediction of what was in store for the comming winter. During the festival, the Celts wore costumes around and danced around a massive bonfire, where animal sacrifices were made. Also, insects were attracted to these fires which lured bats, giving the present-day Halloween symbol.

Roman Influence

During the Roman empire, two Halloween celebrations came into fruition. The first was called Feralia, and was a day when the Romans remembered the dead. The second celebration honored the Roman goddess Pomona, who was symbolized by apples.

Christian Influence

According to history.com, Christianity influenced Halloween during the 800s. October 31st was coined "All Hallow's Eve" during this time. Also, Pope Boniface IV enacted All Saints' Day the day after All Hallow's Eve. November 1st was meant to be a day in which saints and martyrs were honored.

Early American Influence

In colonial America, Halloween was a day of fear for Protestants who believed that ghosts and witches roamed the Earth. However, with the rise of immigrants from other parts of Europe, Halloween evolved into a day in which people dressed up and went around asking others for food, or "treats". Pranks were also played. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Halloween became a non-secular event based on community gatherings where children and adults would dress up and play games. Trick-or-treating also played a prominent role, but was used by children to receive candy from neighbors instead of adults asking for food.

Final Thoughts

History.com estimates that Americans spend nearly $7 billion a year on Halloween. This includes costumes, parties, and treats. Halloween is not celebrated by all, as some still practice the belief that it is a designated day for the dead. Still, Halloween is prevalent in American culture and is taken much light-heartedly than did ancient peoples of the world. Other countries that celebrate Halloween include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Puerto Rico, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

The copyright of the article Halloween History in Historical Biographies is owned by Kristeen Mandak. Permission to republish Halloween History in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Jack-o-lantern